Coaching sessions were eyed for Gee

Nov 13, 2013Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Records show that Ohio State began planning cultural sensitivity training for then-president Gordon Gee after he made comments jabbing Roman Catholics and Southeastern Conference schools last December.

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Ohio State had planned for president Gordon Gee to undergo sensitivity training prior to him announcing his retirement on July 1.

Email records released Wednesday show that the university considered several proposals last spring for sensitivity and media training for Gee, whose off-the-cuff remarks repeatedly got him into trouble. The proposals included having Gee talk with trainers to develop a deeper respect for diversity and learn techniques for discussing challenging topics and avoiding pitfalls.

Gee retired July 1, shortly after The Associated Press first reported remarks he made about Catholics and the SEC to the university's Athletic Council last year.

An Ohio State spokeswoman says Gee retired before any coaching sessions occurred.